Swann finds right fit with Virginia Tech

By Evan Jones

Reading Eagle correspondent

When she first set foot on the campus of Virginia Tech, Alexa Swann knew right away where she wanted to continue her volleyball career.

The way the students are committed to the university, the family atmosphere of the women's volleyball program and the quality of the food in the dining hall all played a big role in the Brandywine Heights senior's decision.

"I absolutely loved the campus; I fell in love with it immediately," Swann said, adding that she wanted to attend college in the south. "I saw the lifestyle of the people there and how much they were into the school. I also wanted to play in the ACC.

"The food there was ranked No. 1 and that was a plus for me. I love to eat."

Swann selected the Hokies over College of Charleston, Villanova, Mississippi, George Washington and Appalachian State.

"I committed really early for my age," Swann said. "Once I was at Virginia Tech, I didn't look anywhere else. I just knew."

Before she relocates to southwestern Virginia, big things are expected from the 6-2 middle hitter and the Bullets this fall.

Last year Swann had 746 kills, 242 blocks and 90 aces for Brandywine, which won the Berks and District 3-AA championships and advanced to the PIAA Class AA semifinals. Swann was named Berks Player of the Year.

Brandywine will be challenged at both the league and district levels by Berks Catholic.

Teams that have double- and triple-teamed Swann in the past have paid a price as she has found ways to adjust to whatever opponents throw at her.

When Swann becomes a Hokie, she will be joining a rising program.

Virginia Tech, which is off to a 3-0 start in 2011, went 20-12 last fall and finished 10-10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hokies defeated a Top 25 opponent and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Chris Riley is in his sixth season as coach.

"I liked the coaches, and it felt like a family," Swann said. "We clicked right away. Their style of play is what I'm used to, and they have great facilities."